4. Have a meal at one of Disney’s more-adult restaurants

Theme park food is not the first thing most people think about when considering options for classy dining. Usually we picture fast food staples, greasy turkey legs, and bustling buffets. Fortunately, Walt Disney World resort is actually home to an impressive number of excellent restaurants—including quite a few themed specifically for guests looking for a more refined experience.

Inside the parks, our favorite choices are Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (along with its outdoor porch, Nomad Lounge) as well as Spice Road Table, Tokyo Dining, and Tutto Italia at Epcot. If you can get seating specifically on the porch, The Rose and Crown Pub in the UK pavilion is quite a good choice, and many guests enjoy the candlelit atmosphere of La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion. The Brown Derby is a good steakhouse option at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beyond the parks, you will find quite a few options throughout Disney’s resort hotels. A few favorites include The Contemporary Resort’s California Grill, Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk, and pretty much everything at the Swan and Dolphin resorts (such as Kimonos and Il Mulino). Over at Disney Springs, you will find an even wider selection, with some of our favorites so far being Jaleo, The Boathouse, Terralina Italian Crafted Italian, and for seafood lovers, Paddlefish.

5. Stay (or take a stroll at) Disney’s classiest resorts

Just because you’re staying on Walt Disney World property doesn’t mean you have to stay at a resort with heavy-handed kids' theming that feels like you’re stuck inside the parks. As a matter of fact, Disney offers several resorts that offer a perfect balance between family-friendliness and a classy atmosphere.

The sort of resort feels relaxing to you will vary from person to person. The Yacht and Beach Club offers the atmosphere of a quiet waterside retreat, as does Old Key West. Animal Kingdom Lodge blends the beauty of Africa with the relaxing presence of a menagerie of wildlife. Wilderness Lodge is more secluded than other Magic Kingdom resorts, offering a rustic atmosphere reminiscent of America’s national parks. The Bay Lake Tower Villas at the Contemporary Resort walk the line between preserving Disney themes while giving guests upscale rooms complete with full kitchens, massive walk-in showers, a soaking tub, and sharp decorations.

For those who want easy accessibility to the parks without staying at a Disney-owned resort, both the Swan and Dolphin are excellent choices. These two resorts are owned by Marriot and have a feel closer to luxury hotels you would find elsewhere in Orlando with access to a number of the same perks as Disney hotels. They also tend to offer excellent pricing compared to Disney with top quality accommodations.

Don’t get a say in what resort you’ll be at? You can still take the opportunity to get away from the parks and enjoy a stroll at one of the resorts mentioned above, exploring the grounds, restaurants, and lounges.

6. Visit The Four Seasons Orlando

In a similar vein, there’s one resort we’ve mentioned already that is well worth a visit if you’re looking for a break from the parks in a luxurious setting without leaving Walt Disney World.

The Four Seasons Orlando is unique as it isn’t owned by Disney (similar to the Swan and Dolphin) but is located in Disney’s exclusive Golden Oak neighborhood. Despite its gated location, you can easily visit The Four Seasons Orlando by planning to eat at one of the resort’s restaurants.

The pool bar, PB&G, offers a full menu of casual appetizers and entrees better than much of what you’ll find throughout Walt Disney World as a whole. Alternatively, Ravello offers both casual dining as well as a classy take on Disney’s character breakfasts (with elevated food options). Looking to enjoy an extra special date night? For an evening meal with a Spanish flair, Capa is one of a handful of Florida restaurants that has actually achieved a coveted Michelin star.

While visiting, it is well worth taking time to explore the resort’s beautiful grounds—they are stunning, and you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy some serenity away from the parks. They also have quite a good coffee and ice cream shop.